Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 March 2023
130. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education when construction on a secondary school (details supplied) will commence; if she will ensure that this building work begins as urgently as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11685/23]
View answerThe permanent school building project for the site referred to by the Deputy is a campus project to deliver a 1,000 pupil post-primary school and accommodation, including four classrooms, for children with special educational needs and a 16 classroom primary school and accommodation, including two classrooms, for children with special educational needs. The campus project is being delivered under my Department's Design and Build programme. The final grant of planning permission for the campus development was received on 9th March 2021.
My Department’s Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2023 in the context of overall requirements and available funding. Our most immediate priorities are to cater for September 2023 requirements.
My Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to capital funding pressures in order to continue to be able to adequately support the operation of the school system with rollout of school building projects to tender and construction in 2023 and minimise project delays to the greatest extent possible.
Currently there are 58 school building projects, including the campus project for the school referred to by the Deputy, on hold for proceeding to tender/construction due to capital funding pressures.
My Department will continue to liaise with the school's patron body in relation to the school’s interim accommodation needs on the permanent site for the school. The Department will keep the school and its patron body updated when there is further clarity on progression of projects.
